Black holes are intriguing objects. They were imagined before being observed. This is an exception in the universe of science. The name given to them has a challenging poetry. Black holes. The black holes are a consequence of the development of concepts linked to the theory of general relativity. They are objects so massive that their gravitational field attracts not only all matter around them, but also all electromagnetic radiation. No light can escape from a black hole.
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Quasars are intriguing objects. Their name is an abbreviation of QUAsi-StellAR radio source. They are extremely intense sources of electromagnetic energy, the size of stars (relatively small when compared to galaxies). Quasars are the most intense light sources in the universe. The energy required for such intense emission can only be obtained with the collaboration of a nearby black hole. The quasar intercepts the flow of matter to the black hole, transforms it into energy, and emits it.
The proximity and the paradox between black holes and quasars disquieted Lygia Eluf, to the point of taking away her sleep when challenged to express such abstract concepts. How to represent this contradiction between such similar and interdependent objects? The solution presented in this exhibition goes way beyond scientific concepts. The shape with circular symmetry seems to want to jump out of the engravings, seeking to gain a dimension and become spherical. The color used with restraint translates the angst of the light that is fated not to cross the border. The contrast between the scarcity of the black hole and the abundance of the quasar.
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In this work, Lygia Eluf (with the help of her spiritual guide Trigueirinho) manages to traverse the naturally imposed limitation by the boundaries of her black holes. She proposes images that touch us and makes us think far beyond the vain relativity…
Leandro Tessler